East Harlem

Local residents often refer to East Harlem as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio. It spans from East 96th Street to East 120th Street between the East River and 5th Avenue in Manhattan.

Today, it is one of the most diverse communities in New York City. However, the area was Manhattan’s first Little Italy. In the late 1800’s there was a large migration of southern Italians and Sicilians to the area and it was known as Italian Harlem.

The area has an abundance of food, and an active street life. There are also cultural institutions like El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of African Art. Another landmark in the neighborhood is the Museum of the City of New York, located on the block of Fifth Avenue between 103rd and 104th Streets.